Zihuatanejo’s name comes from the Náhuatl word “Zihuatlan” which means “land of women”. The Spaniards modified it to “Cihuatan” and added the suffix “ejo”. History goes that Zihuatanejo was a relatively important port during its time. One of historic event that stands out is the trip between America and The Philippines made in 1572 by the fleet commanded by Álvaro de Saavedra y Cerón. This expedition, which is said to be responsible for the discovery of the Molucas Islands. This was the second marine trip that went all the way through Philippines and that left from America with boats manufactured in the coasts of New Spain.
Due to its location, Zihuatanejo Bay was practically vacated, except for some pirates who settled here and used the bay as a lookout as well as shelter from the strong storms.
Today Zihuatanejo is an underdeveloped gem that has not exploded like other beach destinations like Sayulita or Tulum. Although tourism makes for the majority of the economy, this colorful fishing village still maintains its small town charm. Take a walk down the Playa Principal and the Fish Market there or the mercado to buy local produce, and you’ll see how this place oozes with tradition and heritage.
At its core Zihuatanejo has always been and maintains itself as a fishing village—and you can see that in the variety of seafood dishes that are a speciality in this region (aka tiretas, a dish similar to ceviche). To see the Fish Market you’ll need to be an early riser…come after the sun is up and you’re already too late. The fishing is done in the dark hours of the morning, and as the sun is about to greet the day you will see sodden fishing boats congregating on Playa Principal to sell their catch from that morning.
If you’re walking down the main pathway you’ll see a lot of commotion happening—all that hustle and bustle is the vibrant fish market. Here things are sold the old-fashioned way. No fancy refrigeration or spectacles like people throwing a giant Salmon across the aisles like at Seattle’s Pike Place. In fact, don’t even expect Salmon. Here you’ll find sailfish,yellow fin tuna, pargo, snapper and dorado. The catch of the day is then laid on sheets and tarps on the sand where people are able to choose and negotiate prices.
There are many cozy hotels in town, modestly priced bungalows, as well as deluxe small hotels all along the beaches and hillsides overlooking the majestic Zihuatanejo Bay. Two favorite beaches located in the bay are Las Gatas, which is accessible by water taxi from the town pier; and Playa la Ropa, named for a Spanish galleon’s cargo of silks and fabrics brought from Asia that washed up ashore from a shipwreck. On both beaches, delightfully simple palapa-topped eateries serve authentic Mexican dishes, that of course specialize in seafood.
There are many activities besides sunbathing on the golden sands in Zihuatanejo. Being a fishing town, sport fishing has become a big attraction. Imagine trophy size sailfish, blue and black marlin, yellow fin tuna, sailfish and dorado. Bet you didn’t know, but Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has been designated as the second most important sport fishing destination in the world, and first in Mexico!
Discover the world underwater as well when you scuba dive in Las Gatas or Manzanillo Bay. There are Scuba centers and NAUI certification courses available if you wish to be certified. You can also rent a yacht, SUP boards, jet skies and other water sport paraphernalia. With other options for adventure like ATVing, mountain biking, horseback riding or kayaking there’s no shortage of fun to be had here in Zihuatanejo!
